New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Boston police say they 've apprehended a Red Sox employee who absconded earlier with the costume of the team 's beloved mascot , Wally the Green Monster .

The man has not been charged , police said Friday .

He was picked up while heading toward downtown Boston with what 's described as a furry creature with a permanent grin , extremely large head , and green and orange hair , wearing a number 97 uniform .

Earlier Friday , police put out a bulletin on Twitter asking the public for help .

`` Missing : Wally the Green Monster , If seen please call Boston Police , '' authorities tweeted .

Police tweet : `` Wally found ! ''

Police said they canvassed `` all establishments the monster is known to frequent , '' before detectives uncovered his whereabouts .

`` It was just a big misunderstanding , '' said Zineb Curran , a Boston Red Sox spokeswoman . `` A staff member took it out early for some scheduled appearances and then decided to walk around Boston with the costume . ''

`` We just were n't aware of it , '' she said . `` And Wally is safe . ''

Named after the 37-foot green wall in left field at Fenway Park , Wally made his first official appearance to fans in 1997 .

The team is currently in last place in the American League East , even though it is only a game below .500 , with 49 wins and 50 losses . The BoSox are set to square off against their arch rival , the New York Yankees , at 7:05 p.m. ET Friday .

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`` It was just a big misunderstanding , '' said Zineb Curran , a Boston Red Sox spokeswoman

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Earlier Friday , Boston police put out a bulletin on Twitter asking the public for help

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Wally is named after the 37-foot green wall in left field of Fenway Park

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The Red Sox are currently in last place in the American League East